Three Ways to Turn Your Phone Into Your Personal Trainer

I frequently write about fitness devices such as my Fitbit and heart rate monitor. But I have overlooked one of the most popular and effective fitness gadgets.Did you know that a smart phone or tablet is one of the best fitness devices you can use? There are many apps that can serve as a portable personal trainer. Are you short on time? Even better! Here is a list of three great workout apps that offer no-equipment workout options you can complete in less than 15 minutes! If you have more time to invest in your workout, they still have you covered. Each of these apps offers something unique, and each offers the opportunity for an efficient body-weight only workout that is as challenging as you make it.

Screen captures from The Fitness Games, Fit Star and You Are Your Own Gym Bodyweight Training Apps

The Fitness Games

Let the games begin!I first learned about “The Fitness Games” through my involvement as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. I was offered a free premium membership to test and share this app. The Fitness Games combines three main elements: fitness, gaming and social media to provide a motivating workout experience. The graphics and interface isn’t quite as sharp as the other two featured apps, but this one makes best use of the power of social motivation.The following is a quote from the creators of The Fitness Games (taken from publicity materials), I feel it best describes the social and challenge aspects:

You can challenge anyone, anywhere, to any type of workout, proudly post fitness photos and videos, or simply challenge yourself with one of the many kick-ass workouts designed by our personal trainers.

Workouts are divided into four categories: Cardio, Strength, Full-body, and Cross Training. Each category operates on a unique scoring system that was carefully designed to determine how hard the user exercised to determine the winner of each match-up

I have mainly used it to challenge myself, I have followed a couple of their bodyweight circuits workouts and challenge myself to beat my previous personal record. For More Information Visit:http://www.tfgapp.com/Available for download at: Apple App Store and Google Play

Fit Star

Train With A LegendI first learned of FitStar with Tony Gonzalez through a fitness community. I saw this app had options to link with Fitbit and MyFitnessPal so I decided to give it a try. So far I have only used the free version.One notable feature of Fit Star is that it adjusts to your fitness level like a real personal trainer. It starts with a short fitness test (which is itself a great mini-workout) then builds from there. It asks your feedback on every exercise and workout and adjusts to your answers. It can also be set up to log your workout to other popular fitness apps such as Fitbit, Up by Jawbone, and My Fitness Pal. You can connect and share your workouts through Facebook and Twitter and challenge your friends. You can play built in music, music from your device or a separate music app such as Pandora.For More Information Visit: http://fitstar.com/Available for download at: Apple App Store

Bodyweight Training App

You Are Your Own GymI first learned of Mark Lauren’s work through his book You Are Your Own Gym. This book really expanded my understanding of bodyweight training. When I converted from my flip phone to a smart phone (yes I was late to the party!), I found this app right away. I have been using it on and off for a couple of years now.This app is the oldest of the three and does use a lot of memory on my iPhone and iPad. It includes video demonstrations of the exercises, a timer, the ability to create your own workouts and a number of progressive routines. It also uses my own music as a playlist. For More Information Visit: http://www.marklauren.com/apps.htmlAvailable: Apple App Store and Google Play

Sam isn't really that "sly", but a college roommate thought so since she had Sly and The Family Stone on nearly constant rotation. When not editing Feeling Fit, Sam can be found pretending to be "sly" and "feeling fit"!